Mini

This past Friday marked the first full week of my bike commute to work. As much as I’d like to attribute my eco-commute to wanting to add an extra helping of green to the Hupp routine, its certainly not my real motivation. The reality is, about two weeks back my Mini and I were in a car accident. (Because the accident is still under “investigation” by the insurance companies, details will be provided at a later date).

Despite the passage of time since the accident I can’t seem to type this without, a lump in my throat, and the familiar rapid blink of fighting back tears. My perception of feeling like I had ruined a gift took quite some time to get over, but I try, despite seemingly continual bad news to remind myself how lucky I am to have walked away from a car accident, but, it sure isn’t easy.  


Back in October of 2004 I became the proud owner of a 2005, British Racing Green, Mini Cooper given to me as a gift by my parents. Many a drive included basking in the glory of my opened sun roof and smiling at fellow Mini motorists. In past years I’ve been asked if it was a Saab, a BMW or my favorite, a “Cadillac?”. In the past 6 years my Mini transported Jonathan and myself, as well as our animals at times, around eleven states (NJ, NY, DE, MD, VA, TN, AR, OK, TX, NM & AZ) and the District of Columbia.  I never expected that here, in the Valley of the Sun my Mini would find its final resting place.



Below are a few pictures of the damage done to my Mini. After the first, appraisal (pre-opening of the hood) the good word was that it wasn’t totaled. A little over $4,000 would bring it back to new. Wonderful, I’d have my much cherished car back. Then came the popped hood evaluation. The price rose about $3,500 bringing the cost of repair to over $8,000. I was a little nervous at the steady creeping of the cost, but again, I just wanted my little Mini tucked safely back in our driveway, and was happy to hear the news. The straw that broke the camel’s back. was the third appraisal. The results of which were delivered with, “Hello, I’m calling from the Total Loss Department, and I’m sorry to inform you…”"Devastation" doesn't capture the emotions felt.


This week Jonathan and I made the trip to clean out the car at the auto body shop where it has been parked.  As I gently patted its raised trunk lid  I said my farewells to be comforted by the autobody repairman’s comment of its new "donor" status. May my Mini parts bring joy and vitality to fellow Minis in need.

Hood was pushed up.